A review by book_rascal
The Life of Henrietta Anne: Daughter of Charles I by Melanie Clegg

emotional informative slow-paced

5.0

 
I have read several books where Henrietta Anne Stuart was a supporting character. She was always presented in a favorable light. In this book she is presented the same way. She was born to King Charles I and his French wife Henrietta Maria. Born during the English Civil War she started out in a precarious position. Eventually smuggled out of England and taken to France where her mother had already escaped to, she would live out her life in the French court. Described as charming, charismatic and delightful she was considered the darling of the French court she was also politically savvy and the King counted on her for help dealing with her brother the King of England who loved her very much. Prince Philippe who was King Louis XIV younger brother fell in love with her and they were eventually married. He was emotionally abusive towards her and it was a very chaotic marriage but did produce several children. 
I enjoyed reading about her life in this very well researched and written book. I have no doubts that anyone interested in this time in history would enjoy learning about this woman's life.